Open carry day at Lithia Park

Ashland, Ore.-- An ordinance in Ashland against loaded open carry guns will be voted on May 6th. But not everyone is happy about that.

Saturday at Ashland's Lithia Park a group got together with their guns to demonstrate that open carrying can be safe and peaceful.

It was called 'Open Carry Day' and a barbecue put together by Liberty Ashland and the Oregon Firearms Federation.

Ashland City Council members said the ordinance would only apply to people who do not have concealed weapon licenses. Those people would not be allowed to carry a loaded gun in Ashland if it passed.

People said it's all about being educated and say they're working with council members about this issue.

"We are working with them on some other issues on safety and training and education programs which we know generally would make a difference. And we here today as responsible citizens, as law abiding peaceful citizens that just chose today to bear our arms, we care about safety as well," said Vigo Fox.

The group is also gathering signatures for a petition they will be handing into the city council before May 6th, explaining why they shouldn't pass an ordinance.

An outright ban cant happen in Oregon because state law says open carry is legal.